DHAKA: Bangladesh's president, a close ally of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned from the largely ceremonial role on Friday (Jul 24), citing ill health, according to a letter seen by AFP. "Yes, I have resigned," Shahabuddin said when asked about widespread speculation that he planned to step down before completing his full term ending in 2028. In a resignation letter to the speaker of parliament, seen by AFP, Shahabuddin cited his deteriorating health. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of the governing Bangladesh Nationalist Party said Thursday the government was not aware of the president having submitted his resignation. "If he wants to resign, he would have to submit his resignation letter to the speaker in accordance with the Constitution," he told reporters.